Multi-blade router tool, edger with multi-blade router tool, and method of edging eyeglass lenses

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a router tool for edging the peripheral edge of eyeglass lenses. The tool comprises a longitudinally extending body rotatable on the axis thereof. A first blade extends axially and radially from the body, and has a first cutting portion for shaping an edge of a lens to a first configuration. A second blade is provided that is axially spaced from the first blade. The second blade extends axially and radially from the body, and has a second cutting portion for shaping an edge of a lens to a second configuration different than the first configuration. The present invention also relates to an edger having the disclosed router tool, and a method for shaping the edge of eyeglass lenses.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM TO PRIORITY

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 10/963,740, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,198,436, filed Oct. 14, 2004, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference and to which priority is claimed under35 U.S.C. § 120.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a router tool for edging the peripheraledge of eyeglass lenses. The tool comprises a longitudinally extendingbody rotatable on the axis thereof. A first blade extends axially andradially from the body, and has a first cutting portion for shaping anedge of a lens to a first configuration. A second blade is provided thatis axially spaced from the first blade. The second blade extends axiallyand radially from the body, and has a second cutting portion for shapingan edge of a lens to a second configuration different than the firstconfiguration. The present invention also relates to an edger having thedisclosed router tool, and a method for shaping the edge of eyeglasslenses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

prescription eyeglass lenses are curved in such a way that light iscorrectly focused onto the retina of a patient's eye, improving vision.Such lenses are formed from glass or plastic lens “blanks” havingcertain desired properties to provide the correct prescription for thepatient. The blanks are usually circular and of substantially largerdimension, for example 70 mm in diameter and 10 mm thick, compared tothe relatively smaller finished lenses assembled into eyeglass frames.Therefore, a lens blank must be edged to fit an eyeglass frame selectedby the patient.

Ophthalmic laboratory technicians cut, grind, edge, and polish blanksaccording to prescriptions provided by dispensing opticians,optometrists, or ophthalmologists. In addition, the large diameter blankis sized and shaped to fit into the frame selected by the patient. Thelens blank may be shaped using an edger, such as the lens edgerdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,409 to Kennedy et al., the disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference. The blank is edged so thatthe periphery of the finished lens fits the frame.

As known in the art, edging of a lens blank typically requires theapplication of a block to a surface thereof. The block is releasablysecured to a clamp assembly, so that rotation of the clamp assemblycauses corresponding rotation of the lens blank. The periphery of theblank is cut to the desired size using a router tool. The periphery mayalso be polished using a polishing tool. A bevel is often formed aboutthe periphery of the lens, particularly adjacent the wearer. Acombination tool incorporating a router and polishing hub may be used,as disclosed in the '409 patent.

The finished lens may then be assembled with the selected eyeglassframes. The frames include two spaced openings in which the finishedlenses are mounted. The frame openings frequently have a bevel or atongue, which interlocks with a complementarily shaped bevel or groove,respectively, formed about the peripheral edge of the lens. Theinterlock between the complementary bevel and groove helps to secure thelens within the opening of the frames. The router and polishing tools onthe edger form the bevel or groove about the lens.

The configuration of the bevel or groove that is edged into theperipheral edge of the lens may vary depending on the configuration ofthe bevel or tongue in the frame openings. Therefore, various router andpolishing tools are provided for forming different bevel or grooveconfigurations. The router and polishing tools are interchangeablysecured on the edger via a shaft and chuck assembly. Thus, thetechnician must change the tool each time a different bevel or groove isneeded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a router tool for edging the peripheraledge of eyeglass lenses. In one embodiment, the router tool comprises alongitudinally extending body rotatable on the axis thereof. A firstblade extends axially and radially from the body. The first blade has afirst cutting portion for shaping an edge of a lens to a firstconfiguration. A second blade is provided that is axially spaced fromthe first blade. The second blade extends axially and radially from thebody, and has a second cutting portion for shaping an edge of a lens toa second configuration different than the first configuration.

In another embodiment, a router tool for edging the peripheral edge of alens comprises a longitudinally extending body rotatable on the axisthereof. The body includes a proximal portion for securing to a shaftand a distal portion having at least first and second recesses formedtherein. A first blade is releaseably secured within the first recesswith a mounting bracket and fastener. The first blade extends axiallyand radially from the body, and has a first cutting portion for shapingan edge of a lens to a first configuration. A second blade isreleaseably secured within the second recess with a mounting bracket andfastener. The second blade is radially and axially spaced from the firstblade, and extends axially and radially from the body. The second bladehas a second cutting portion for shaping an edge of a lens to a secondconfiguration different than the first configuration.

The present invention also relates to an edger for shaping an edge of aneyeglass lens. The edger comprises a first table moveable in a firstdirection, and a first drive motor for controllably moving the firsttable in the first direction. A lens clamping and rotating assembly issecured to the first table and moveable therewith. The rotating assemblycontrollably rotates a lens about a first axis extending generallytransverse to the first direction. A second table moveable in a seconddirection perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the firstaxis is provided. A second drive motor controllably moves the secondtable in the second direction. A router tool is mounted to the secondtable and moveable therewith. The router tool rotates on a second axisparallel to the first axis. The tool comprises a longitudinallyextending body, a first blade extending axially and radially from thebody, and a second blade axially spaced from the first blade andextending axially and radially from the body. The first blade has afirst cutting portion for shaping an edge of a lens to a firstconfiguration. The second blade has a second cutting portion for shapingan edge of a lens to a second configuration different than the firstconfiguration. A high-speed motor rotates the tool at a speed of up to20,000 RPM.

An edger for shaping an edge of an eyeglass lens according to anotherembodiment is also disclosed. The edger includes a base plate, first andsecond tables, a lens clamping and rotating assembly and a router tool.The first table is secured to the base plate and moveable in a firstdirection. A first drive motor controls movement of the first table inthe first direction. The second table is secured to the first table andmoveable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Asecond drive motor controls movement of the second table in the seconddirection. The lens clamping and rotating assembly is secured to thesecond table and moveable therewith. The rotating assembly controlsrotation of a lens about a first axis extending generally parallel tothe first direction and perpendicular to the second direction. Therouter tool is mounted to the base plate, and rotates on a second axisparallel to the first axis. The tool comprises a longitudinallyextending body, a first blade extending axially and radially from thebody, the first blade having a first cutting portion for shaping an edgeof the lens to a first configuration, and a second blade axially spacedfrom the first blade. The second blade extends axially and radially fromthe body, the second blade having a second cutting portion for shapingan edge of the lens to a second configuration different than the firstconfiguration. A high-speed motor rotates the tool at a speed of up to20,000 RPM.

The present invention is also directed to a method for edging an edge ofan eyeglass lens. A lens blank having a peripheral edge is provided. Arouter tool is provided. The router tool has at least a first blade witha first cutting portion for shaping the edge of the blank to a firstconfiguration, and a second blade having a second cutting portion forshaping the edge of the blank to a second configuration different thanthe first configuration. The blank is rotated about its geometric axis.One of the first and second blades for shaping the edge of the blank isselected, and the edge of the lens is engaged with the selected blade asthe router tool rotates up to 20,000 RPM. The edge of the lens isthereby shaped to one of the first and second configurationscorresponding to the selected blade.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the housing of an edger according to afirst embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view, partially in schematic, of the edger of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary elevational view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2and viewed in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 3A is a plan view, partially in schematic, of an edger according toa second embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a router tool according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the router tool with anexploded assembly view of a cutter assembly;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the router tool shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6 andviewed in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a blade according to one embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a blade according to another embodiment;and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a blade according to anotherembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As best shown in FIG. 1, an edger H according to a first embodiment ofthe present invention includes a housing, which encloses the componentswhile permitting operator access to the controls C. The housing includesa lower housing portion 10 to which upper housing portion 12 is hingedlyconnected. Upper portion 12 has a window 14 which may be opened by meansof hinges or slides 16 to permit operator access to the interior of thehousing. A switch 18 may be secured to window 14 and pivotal therewith,for preventing operation of edger H while window 14 is in the raised, oropen, position. Control panel C is mounted to upper portion 12 andprovides access by the technician to various controls, collectively 19,of edger H.

As best shown in FIG. 2, edger H includes a base plate 20 within thehousing, to which tables 22 and 24 are mounted for movementperpendicular to each other. Rails 26 and 28 are secured to base 20 andextend in parallel in a first direction relative to base 20. First table22 is slidably mounted to rails 26 and 28 for movement therealong in thefirst direction. Servomotor drive 30 is mounted to base 20 adjacent rail26, and is operably connected to rotary screw 32 for causing controlledrotation thereof. Bracket 34 is secured to first table 22 along theforward edge thereof. Bracket 34 incorporates a ball nut threadedlyengaged with rotary screw 32, so that rotation of screw 32 causescorresponding displacement of the ball nut and hence of bracket 34 andtable 22.

Servomotor drive 36 is mounted to and carried by table 22, and isoperably connected to transmission 38 through motor coupling 40. Shaft42 extends from transmission 38 in a direction transverse to the firstdirection defined by rails 26 and 28. Shaft 42 is controllably rotatedwith precision because of servomotor drive 36 acting throughtransmission 38. Clamp assembly 44 is secured to the end of shaft 42,and is rotatable therewith. Clamp assembly 44 is adapted for engagementwith an edging block removably secured to a lens blank to be edged.

pneumatic lens clamp cylinder 46 is secured to first table 22 abovedrive 36, and the extensible piston thereof is operably engaged with arm48 for causing movement thereof. Arm 48 carries second clamp assembly50, which is adapted for engaging a lens blank. Actuation of clampcylinder 46 by the technician through one of the controls 19 causesdisplacement of clamp assembly 50 either toward or away from clampassembly 44, thereby clamping or releasing a blocked lens blank. Asknown in the art, a block is releasably secured to clamp assembly 44, sothat rotation of clamp assembly 44 by shaft 42 causes correspondingrotation of the blocked lens blank about the axis of shaft 42.

High speed motor 52 is mounted to second table 24, and has a rotaryshaft 54. The motor 52 preferably rotates shaft 54 at a speed of up to20,000 rpm. A router tool T is mounted to shaft 54, and is rotatabletherewith in order for edging the lens blank.

Rails 56 and 58 are secured to base 20 and extend in a second directionperpendicular to the first direction defined by rails 26 and 28. Secondtable 24 is slidably mounted to the rails 56 and 58 for movement in thesecond direction defined thereby. Servomotor drive 60 is secured to base20, and drives rotary screw 62. Bracket 64 is secured to second table 24and has a ball nut threadedly engaged with screw 62, so that rotation ofscrew 62 by motor 60 will cause corresponding displacement of bracket 64and hence of second table 24. Because of the precision control providedby servomotor drive 60, rotary screw 62, and the ball nut of bracket 64,precise positioning of tool T relative to a lens blank clamped betweenand rotated by clamp assemblies 44 and 50 is achieved in order to permitthe edging process to proceed.

A water supply 66 may be operably associated with base 20. A supply line68 leads to a spray nozzle 70, which is secured to bracket 64 by tubingor light pipe 72, and maintains orientation of nozzle 70 relative totool T as second table 24 slides on the rails 56 and 58. Those skilledin the art will appreciate that pumps and pressure controls are providedin conjunction with water supply 66 so that there is adequate waterpressure for droplet formation by nozzle 70.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a rectangular opening 74 may be formedin base 20. A chip chute 76 is mounted to table 24 through brackets orthe like, and defines a plate partially closing opening 74. Aperture 78is formed in chip chute 76 below tool T. A cowl 80 has a duct-likeportion 82 fitted within aperture 78 of chip chute 76. Cowl 80 has aslot 84 providing an opening adjacent tool T for permitting a lens blankclamped between assemblies 44 and 50 to be brought into engagement withtool T through operation of servomotor drive 30. Vacuum line 86 issecured to duct 82 below chip chute 76 for applying a vacuum to cowl 80.Vacuum line 86 terminates at a vacuum source, and causes air,particulates, and water mist to be drawn through cowl 80 to the vacuumsource. Because of opening 74, vacuum line 86 is permitted to move withtable 24 as the table moves in response to operation of servomotor drive60.

An edger H2 according to a second embodiment is best shown in FIG. 3A.Some components of edger H2 are identical to components of edger H, andare identified with like reference numerals. Edger H2 may include alower housing portion 10 and upper housing portion 12 as describedabove, and as shown in FIG. 1.

As best shown in FIG. 3A, edger H2 includes a base plate 20A within thehousing. Preferably, base 20A includes a wall 21 extending outwardlyfrom and perpendicular to base 20A. High speed motor 52 is mounteddirectly to base 20A, and may be mounted to wall 21 using brackets orthe like. Wall 21 includes an opening through which rotary shaft 54extends (not shown). Motor 52 preferably rotates shaft 54 at a speed ofup to 20,000 rpm. Router tool T is mounted to shaft 54 as describedabove. As in the first embodiment, a water supply may be operablyassociated with base 20A proximate router tool T, including a supplyline and spray nozzle.

A first plate 22A is mounted on base 20A via rails 26A, 28A. Rails 26A,28A are secured to base 20A and extend in parallel in a first directionrelative to base 20A. Plate 22A is slidably mounted to rails 26A, 28Afor movement therealong in a first direction. Servomotor drive 30A ismounted to base 20A, and is operably connected to rotary screw 32A forcausing controlled rotation thereof. Servomotor drive 30A may be mountedto wall 21 adjacent motor 52, in which case wall 21 includes an openingthrough which rotary screw 32A extends. First plate 22A includes abracket (not shown) that engages rotary screw 32A so that rotation ofscrew 32A causes movement of first plate 22A along rails 26A, 28A.

A second plate 24A is secured to first plate 22A via rails 56A, 58A(rail 58A is not shown). Rails 56A, 58A are secured to first plate 22Aand extend parallel to each other in a second direction perpendicular tothe first direction defined by rails 26A, 28A. Second plate 24A isslidably mounted to rails 56A, 58A for movement in the second directiondefined thereby. Preferably, rails 56A, 58A lie on a plane spaced fromthe plane of rails 26A, 28A so that movement of first and second plates22A, 24A in the first and second directions is not hindered by rails26A, 28A and 56A, 58A. Servomotor drive 60A is secured to first plate22A, and drives a rotary screw (not shown). A bracket is secured tosecond plate 24A which engages the rotary screw so that rotation of thescrew by motor 60A causes movement of second plate 24A along rails 56A,58A.

A servomotor drive 36A is mounted to and carried by second plate 24A,and is operably connected to a transmission 38A through a motor coupling40A. A shaft 42A extends from transmission 38A in a direction parallelto the first direction defined by rails 26A, 28A. Shaft 42A iscontrollably rotated with precision by servomotor drive 36A actingthrough transmission 38A. As in the first embodiment, a clamp assembly44A is secured to the end of shaft 42A, and is rotatable therewith.Clamp assembly 44A is adapted for engagement with an edging blockremovably secured to a lens blank to be edged.

An electric lens clamp cylinder 46A is secured to second plate 24Aadjacent drive 36A, and the extensible piston thereof is operablyengaged with arm 48A for causing movement thereof. Arm 48A carriessecond clamp assembly 50A, which is adapted for engaging a lens blank.Actuation of clamp cylinder 46A by the technician through one of thecontrols causes displacement of clamp assembly 50A either toward or awayfrom clamp assembly 44A, thereby clamping or releasing a blocked lensblank.

An opening 74A may be formed in base 20A. A chip chute 76A is mounted tobase 20 with brackets or the like, and defines a plate partiallycovering opening 74A. Chip chute 76A may be similar to chip chute 76 inconfiguration, and a detailed description of same will not be repeated.Similarly, a vacuum line may be provided below chip chute 76A andmounted on base 20A, which causes air, particulates, and water mist tobe drawn through an associated cowl to the vacuum source.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-7, tool T includes a longitudinally extendingbody, which is generally cylindrical in configuration and rotatable onthe axis thereof. As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, tool T includes firstand second opposing ends 100, 102. A proximal portion 104 is proximatefirst end 100, and a distal portion 106 is proximate second end 102. Thediameter of distal portion 106 may be slightly less than the diameter ofproximal portion 104. Tool T may be manufactured from grade 303stainless steel.

proximal portion 104 includes a coaxially extending bore 108 extendinginwardly from first end 100 into proximal portion 104, as best shown inFIGS. 4 and 5. Bore 108 is configured to receive shaft 54 therein. Inaddition, threaded openings 110 extend into proximal portion 104intermediate first end 100 and an interface 112 between proximal portion104 and distal portion 106. Interface 112 is preferably angled fromproximal portion 104 to distal portion 106, as best shown in FIG. 6.Threaded openings 110 extend inwardly through proximal portion to bore108, preferably extending perpendicularly to bore 108. Threadedfasteners 114 may be screwed into threaded openings 110, so that theleading end of fasteners 114 protrude into bore 108.

Tool T may be releasably secured to shaft 54 on edger H by sliding shaft54 into bore 108. Fasteners 114 are then screwed into openings 110 sothat the leading ends of fasteners 114 are tightened against shaft 54,thereby releasably securing tool T to shaft 54. However, it would beapparent to one skilled in the art that tool T may be secured to shaft54 using other securing means, such as a clamp or bolts. Alternatively,bore 108 may be threaded for engaging a corresponding threaded shaft(not shown).

As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, proximal portion 104 may also include asecond coaxially extending bore 116 extending inwardly from first end100 into proximal portion 104, and spaced from and parallel to bore 108.Second bore 116 may be provided so that tool T is balanced when tool Tis axially rotated. Second bore 116 typically has a diametersubstantially less than the diameter of bore 108. However, it should beunderstood that the exact dimensions of second bore 116 may varydepending on the overall configuration of tool T.

Distal portion 106 includes a plurality of axially spaced recesses R1,R2, R3, R4, as best shown in FIGS. 4-7. Recesses RI -R4 are alsopreferably radially spaced from each other. As best shown in FIG. 7,recess R4 includes a base 118 inwardly disposed relative to an outersurface 120 of distal portion 106. Each base 118 has a first portion 122and a second portion 124. Preferably, first portion 122 lies on a planethat is angularly disposed relative to the plane of second portion 124.First portion 122 includes a threaded bore 126 extending into distalportion 106. Recesses R2-R4 also include bases 118 with first and secondportions 122, 124. Recess RI may include two threaded bores 126, as bestshown in FIG. 5.

Each recess R1, R2, R3, R4 is configured to receive a correspondingcutter assembly. As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, each cutter assemblyincludes a blade 128, a mounting bracket 130, and a threaded mountingscrew 132. Preferably the cutter assembly positioned in recess RIincludes two mounting screws 132, as best shown in FIG. 5. Each mountingbracket 130 is received within a corresponding recess R1-R4, and securedtherein with mounting screw 132.

Mounting bracket 130 includes a major portion 134 and a leg 136angularly disposed relative to major portion 136. Major portion 134 hasan opening 138, through which the threaded portion of mounting screw 132may be passed. Preferably, the cutter assembly positioned in recess RIincludes a mounting bracket 130′ having two openings 138, as best shownin FIG. 5.

As best shown in FIGS. 7-10, each blade 128 includes a first side 140having a cutting edge 142, a second side 144, and a sloped portion 146extending downwardly from cutting edge 142 to second side 144. Cuttingedge 142 may have any desired configuration, depending on the desiredshape to be formed in the perimeter of the lens blank during the edgingoperation.

As best shown in FIG. 8, cutting edge 142 may include a first edge 148,a second edge 150 spaced from first edge 148, and a contoured edge 152intermediate and integral with first and second edges 148, 150. Firstand second edges 148, 150 maybe either coplanar, or they may lie onplanes that are spaced from each other.

Contoured edge 152 may be V-shaped, with first and second sides 152 a,152 b, as best shown in FIG. 8. First side 152 a may extend from firstedge 148 at a first angle, and second side 152 b may extend from secondedge 150 at a second angle different than the angle of first side 152 a,or they may extend at the same angle.

Contoured edge 152 may include a portion 152 c having an arcuateprofile, as best shown in FIG. 9. Contoured edge 152 may also include aportion 152 d that is substantially perpendicular to first or secondedge 148, 150.

Cutting edge 142 may also include a contoured edge 152′ that extendsoutwardly relative to first and second edges 148, 150, as best shown inFIG. 10. It will be understood to one skilled in the art that cuttingedges 148, 150, 152 (or 152′) may have any configuration for forming adesired shape of the perimeter of the lens blank. Therefore, theconfigurations of blades 128 shown in FIGS. 4-10 are for purposes ofexplanation only, and the present invention is not so limited.

The configuration of edges 148, 150, 152 is a mirror image of the edgethat will be formed on the perimeter of the lens blank. For example, theinwardly extending V-shaped contoured edge 152 shown in FIG. 8 will forman outwardly extending V-shaped bevel about the perimeter of a lens.

Blade 128 is positioned in one of recesses RI-R4 so that second side 144of blade 128 abuts a first wall 154, as shown in recess R4 in FIG. 7.Blade 128 extends axially and radially from outer surface 120 of distalportion 106. Mounting bracket 130 is also positioned in recess R4, withopening 138 aligned with threaded bore 126 in first portion 122 of base118, and leg 136 adjacent first side 140 of blade 128. The threadedportion of mounting screw 132 passes through opening 138, and may bescrewed into threaded bore 126. Because of the angular configuration ofleg 136, leg 136 is forced against first side 140 of blade 128, andtensioned against first side 140 as mounting screw 132 is tightened intobore 126. In this way, mounting bracket 130 and blade 128 are securelyfastened to distal portion 106. Blade 128 may be easily removed andreplaced by simply loosening mounting screw 132, thereby loosening leg136 from first side 140 of blade 128.

Similarly, blades 128 may be secured within recesses R1-R3. However,recess R1 is preferably configured to receive a blade 128′ having alonger second edge 150 compared to blades 128 secured within recessesR2-R4. A lens blank may be edged without forming a contoured perimeteron the blank by using the longer second edge 150 of blade 128′. Theblank may be edged to a size that is slightly larger than the desiredfinal size and shape using only second edge 150 of blade 128′. Then, theblank may be edged to have a bevel, groove, or other contouredconfiguration using edges 148, 150, 152 of one of blades 128 in recessesR2-R4. Of course, the lens blank may be edged without first using thelonger second edge 150 of blade 128′. However, the edging process isfaster if the size of the lens blank is first reduced to about itsdesired final size using only a planar cutting edge 150.

preferably, each of blades 128 on tool T has a different configuration.In this way, tool T may be used for shaping lens blanks havingperipheral edges with various configurations. Thus, a technician selectsthe cutting edge 142 of one of blades 128 that will form the desiredconfiguration on the lens blank, but may use the same tool T.previously, the technician was required to change the router tool eachtime a different bevel or groove was needed. In the present invention,tool T may be used to form four different configurations about theperipheral edge of lens blanks, thereby saving manufacturing time andcost. Of course, tool T may include more or fewer than four cutterassemblies, but preferably includes at least two cutter assemblies.Generally, the length of tool T will increase as additional cutterassemblies are provided on distal portion 106, given the cutterassemblies are axially spaced from each other. A permissible length fortool T may therefore be restricted by the amount of space for the routertool in the edger being used.

Tool T may include grooves 156 formed peripherally about distal portion106, wherein a groove is aligned with each contoured edge 152, as bestshown in FIGS. 4-6. When blade 128 is installed and/or replaced, thetechnician simply lines up contoured edge 152 with the correspondinggroove 156. Grooves 156 permit the contoured edges 152, and thereforeblades 128, to be precisely oriented relative to distal portion 106.

It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in construction orconfiguration of the present invention without departing from the spiritof the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present inventioninclude all such modifications or variations, provided they come withinthe scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

1. An edger for shaping an edge of an eyeglass lens, comprising: a baseplate; a lens clamping and rotating assembly connected to said baseplate, said rotating assembly for controllably rotating a lens about afirst axis; a router tool connected to said base plate, said router tootrotatable about a second axis parallel to said first axis and saidrouter tool comprising a longitudinally extending body rotatable on thesecond axis, a first blade extending axially along and radially fromsaid body, said first blade having a first cutting portion engageablewith an edge of a lens for shaping the edge to a first configuration,and a second blade axially spaced from said first blade, said secondblade having a second cutting portion engageable with an edge of a lensfor shaping the edge of the lens to a second configuration differentthan said first configuration, wherein each of said first and secondcutting portions of said router tool include a first edge, a second edgespaced from said first edge, and a contoured edge, said router toolfurther comprising a groove formed peripherally about said body andaligned axially with each said contoured edge, each said contoured edgebeing integral with and intermediate said first and second edges, andwherein said body includes at least two axially spaced recesses, eachrecess having a base and first and second sidewalls, said first andsecond blades releaseably secureable in a corresponding one of saidrecesses; and a high-speed motor for rotating said router tool.
 2. Theedger of claim 1, wherein said first edge of at least one of said firstand second cutting portions lies on a plane spaced from the plane of therespective said second edge.
 3. The edger of claim 1, wherein said firstedge of at least one of said first and second cutting portions iscoplanar with the respective said second edge.
 4. The edger of claim 1,wherein said contoured edge of at least one of said first and secondcutting portions extends inwardly toward said body for forming a bevelabout the edge of the lens.
 5. The edger of claim 4, wherein saidcontoured edge that extends inwardly is V-shaped.
 6. The edger of claim1, wherein said contoured edge of at least one of said first and secondcutting portions extends outwardly relative said respective first andsecond edges for forming a groove about the edge of the lens.
 7. Theedger of claim 1, wherein each of said first and second blades isremoveably secured in the corresponding one of said recesses via amounting bracket and fastener.
 8. The edger of claim 7, wherein saidmounting bracket includes a major portion and a leg angularly disposedrelative to said major portion.
 9. The edger of claim 8, wherein a firstside of one of said blades is positioned against said first sidewall ofsaid recess, and said leg is releaseably tensioned against a second sideof said blade opposite said first side for securing said blade in saidrecess.
 10. The edger of claim 1, wherein said first blade of saidrouter toot is radially spaced from said second blade.
 11. The edger ofclaim 1, wherein said router tool further comprises at least a thirdblade axially spaced from said first and second blades, said third bladeextending axially along and radially from said body, said third bladehaving a third cutting portion engageable with an edge of a lens forshaping the edge to a third configuration different than said first andsecond configurations.
 12. The edger of claim 1, wherein said body ofsaid router tool is generally cylindrical.
 13. The edger of claim 1,wherein said body of said router tool includes a proximal portion forsecuring to a shaft and a distal portion.
 14. The edger of claim 13,wherein said proximal portion includes a coaxially extending boreextending from a first end into said proximal portion, said base plateincluding a shaft releaseably securable within said bore.
 15. The edgerof claim 1, further comprising: a first table secured to said base plateand moveable in a first direction; a first drive motor for controllablymoving said first table in said first direction; a second table securedto said first table and moveable in a second direction perpendicular tosaid first direction; a second drive motor for controllably moving saidsecond table in said second direction, wherein said lens clamping androtating assembly is secured to said second table and moveabletherewith.
 16. The edger of claim 1, further comprising: a first tablemovable in a first direction; a first drive motor for controllablymoving said first table in said first direction, said lens clamping androtating assembly being secured to said first table and movabletherewith; a second table movable in a second direction perpendicular tosaid first direction; and a second drive motor for controllably movingsaid second table in said second direction.
 17. The edger of claim 16,further comprising a nozzle secured to said second table and moveabletherewith, said nozzle disposed adjacent to aligned with said routertool for selectively directing coolant fluid thereto.